Of course, there are several things to consider when choosing extracurriculars.
- Do you want it to be physical?
- Do you want it to be creative?
- Do you want it to be practical for future endeavors?
- Do you want it to be enriched with history?
While you decide which of these aspects are the most important to you, we would like to give you a list below of unique extracurricular activities and electives that you and your unique child can consider for the next school year.
13 Unique Extracurricular Activities and Electives for Your Child
Below we have listed some extracurricular electives which you or your child may not have considered. Often, the activities listed below aren’t advertised, as others are that are more common. You may have to do a little research to find an instructor or guide, but one of these activities will definitely be a unicorn among horses on a transcript or resume.
1. Wilderness Survival
We may not be in the ages of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett anymore, but wilderness survival skills are always helpful to learn for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity. If you get lost in the woods in the dark or during bad weather and have no food, it would be helpful to have the tools and skills you need to survive.
2. Fencing
No, we’re not talking about putting up a barrier around your property. We’re talking about the sport that’s been in the Olympics since the late 1800s. The sport that challenges both the mind and body and would prepare you to be a knight or slay a dragon if you had the time travel capabilities to go back to the Renaissance Era.
3. Irish Dancing
Irish Dancing is rich with the history of Ireland and its traditions. It requires physical stamina, and let’s be honest, while everyone else will say they know how to do tap, jazz, and ballet… you’ll be able to say you know how to Irish Dance.
We offer Traditional Irish Dancing lessons through Appalachian Performing Arts Academy under the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. You can find out more about this opportunity here.
4. Model UN
Does your child have the ambition to be a politician? Have they already been planning their path to the presidency, maybe since they were five years old?
For parents who have children that enjoy history and, frankly, debating with you about family policy matters, Model UN is a great place for them to take their energy and ambitions and put them to use. Joining a model UN is the perfect way to start their journey.
5. Theater
Whether you want to dance, sing, and act, APAA is a great place with a lot of opportunities for all ages. We offer a wide range of programs during the school year and a full schedule of summer camps. Homeschoolers can be immersed in high-quality drama and performance arts programs right here in Asheville.
6. Archery
Do your children ever watch a Disney movie and aspire to be like Shang from Mulan, or Merida from Brave, shooting arrows with perfection? You can always check with your state’s Wildlife Resources Commission to sign them up for archery classes and tournaments.
7. Humanitarian Work
If your child has a big heart and loves to help others, find an opportunity to volunteer. This could be with a sort of ministry, orphanage, dog shelter, homeless shelter, disaster relief, or something else. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the needs of society, and there is plenty of room for assistance and love.
8. Internship/Apprenticeship
Sure the idea of internship or apprenticeship can sound rather dull, but let’s think beyond the box. Here are some ideas of unique trades to consider shadowing:
- Mapping
- Glass blowing
- Coffee Roasting
- Farming and Aquaponics
- Carpentry
- Pottery
- Blacksmithing
9. Blogging
It’s a new age, and blogging is in! Whether your child just loves to write for fun or whether they want to make a career of it, let them start blogging now. Opening them up to critiques will prepare them for the future.
10. Quidditch
To the delight of all Harry Potter fans, Quidditch is now a real sport, and its popularity is growing. Look for a Quidditch team near you to enter the world of Harry Potter, and participate in a truly unique sport.
11. Foreign Language (beyond the typical second languages)
Spanish and French are typically offered at almost every school. Occasionally some schools teach Latin. Homeschoolers have an opportunity to really dive into a unique language that would benefit them and would just be fun to learn.
Maybe they really want to go visit Italy, so why not sign up to study Italian. Then it would be beneficial to spend a semester abroad to be immersed in the culture and the language. Maybe Arabic or Mandarin would better suit you based on the people with whom you want to communicate and visit.
Or maybe you want to go really wild and learn the Elvish, the language created by J.R.R. Tolkien, take an adventure through Middle Earth (New Zealand), and experience the world of Lord of the Rings. Sure there are not as many people in the world who speak it, but isn’t that the exact reason to take it?
12. Fly-Fishing
Fly fishing is like regular fishing but requires more skill and tact. We are in a part of the South known for having some of the best fly fishing waters in the country.
13. Polo
If you thought this was a sport of the past, think again. If you love horses and are looking for an avenue to marry together sports and equestrian love, do some research and find Polo lessons near you.
Electives and Extracurriculars With the Asheville Performing Arts Academy
If your homeschooler is interested in taking any unique elective or extracurricular classes with us, such as Irish Dance, Theater, or more, you can visit our website for information or give us a call.